"Master, what exactly happened? Is Yuan Ying seriously injured? How is she doing now?"

As soon as Zhang Yiyi received the news, she rushed to the leader of the sect, Master Dongfang, and anxiously asked.

She had only parted with her senior sister a few hours ago, and now this had happened. How could she not be worried?

The party from Lishan Sect was quite strong, but who would have thought someone would dare to ambush them on the way?

Master Dongfang raised his hand toward Zhang Yiyi, signaling her not to worry too much just yet.

"Yuan Ying was gravely injured, but fortunately, she received timely treatment. She should be out of danger now, and her core wasn't damaged. With some rest, she'll fully recover."

Master Dongfang had specifically called for Zhang Yiyi for a reason, so he patiently explained, "The key issue now is that the Lishan Sect insists it was the Mo family who orchestrated this attack, and they are adamantly demanding an explanation from Yunxian Sect. Otherwise, they won't let this matter rest."

Hearing that her senior sister was gravely injured but out of danger and not severely harmed, Zhang Yiyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

However, from what Master Dongfang was saying, it seemed that Lishan had now developed a significant grudge against Yunxian Sect. If not handled carefully, the once-strong cooperation between the two sects could disintegrate, potentially leading to hostility.

"Master, why is Lishan Sect so certain that the Mo family is responsible for the attack? Did they capture someone alive?"

Zhang Yiyi thought quickly. "Or is it just because Senior Sister Yuan was the primary target, and they assume that due to the broken engagement and the resulting loss of face, the Mo family sought revenge?"

"The details are still unclear. Lishan Sect didn't mention any specifics in their message, and they didn't stay to explain. They didn't even return to our sect for further discussion," Master Dongfang said, looking exasperated.

Lishan Sect's conduct was frustrating, leaving him with a headache. Even if they were furious, why leave without clarifying things? They should have at least left someone behind to explain the situation properly.

Elder Yuan's behavior made it clear—they expected Yunxian Sect to personally visit Lishan Sect and apologize. Moreover, they wouldn't be satisfied unless the matter was handled to their full satisfaction. Otherwise, there would be no reconciliation between the two sects.

"What are your plans, Master?"

Zhang Yiyi found the whole situation rather odd. First, there was the broken engagement, and now the ambush. Lishan Sect immediately pointed fingers at the Mo family and demanded Yunxian Sect explain.

It was true that the Mo family had a motive, but Zhang Yiyi didn't believe they would act so clumsily.

If the Mo family had truly planned this, they wouldn't have been in such a rush or left any obvious evidence that would lead Lishan to blame them so easily.

On the other hand, Yuan Ying's uncle was the Chief Elder of Law Enforcement at Lishan Sect, known for his emphasis on evidence. He wouldn't make such a bold accusation without solid proof.

This contradiction made Zhang Yiyi even more suspicious that the situation wasn't as straightforward as it seemed.

As the Master had said, handling this matter properly was crucial. A misstep could lead to unforeseen consequences.

"I've already sent people to investigate the Mo family at our Inner Five Peaks. They deny any involvement in the attack on Lishan Sect. From what we've uncovered, none of the Mo family members left the sect around the time of the attack," Master Dongfang continued.

"Of course, we can't rule out the possibility that the Mo family mobilized outside forces, but that seems unlikely. For one, True Saint Tianjiu has vouched for the Mo family, stating they had nothing to do with the attack. And second, Lishan Sect is a formidable force, while most of the Mo family's external connections consist of low-level cultivators. It's unlikely they could assemble a team strong enough to carry out such an assault."

"Yet Lishan Sect doesn't seem to be lying either, which suggests there's more to this. It might even be a conspiracy aimed at both Yunxian and Lishan Sects. If we don't handle this well, not only could it disrupt our current collaboration with Lishan Sect, but it might also turn us into enemies," Master Dongfang explained further.

After saying all this, Master Dongfang paused, giving Zhang Yiyi a meaningful look, hinting that she should understand his underlying message.

Zhang Yiyi felt a bit uneasy under his gaze. She had a feeling that the Master hadn't called her here just to inform her about her senior sister's condition.

And indeed, her intuition hadn't been wrong.

"Um, Master, you're not expecting me to investigate this matter, are you?"

She wasn't trying to shirk responsibility; she just knew her own limitations. She wasn't someone adept at handling such complex matters.

Seeing Zhang Yiyi's troubled expression, Master Dongfang chuckled. "Our sect wouldn't burden a junior disciple with such a heavy task. Don't worry. We have capable people handling the investigation. However, you could accompany the Third Elder to Lishan. After all, Yuan Ying is your friend, and it's only right that you visit her."

"Oh, so Master wants me to smooth things over with Senior Sister Yuan and maintain good relations. I get it, I get it," Zhang Yiyi laughed, realizing the true purpose behind his words.

It was clear that Elder Yuan and the others held some resentment towards both the Mo family and Yunxian Sect. To resolve the situation, Yuan Ying's opinion, as the central figure, would be crucial.

Master Dongfang had chosen Zhang Yiyi because of her close relationship with her senior sister. He wanted her to help ease the tensions and ensure cooperation during the investigation.

Master Dongfang didn't mind that Zhang Yiyi had seen through his intentions. He trusted her character and knew she would do whatever was necessary to maintain harmony between the two sects.

"Good. Since you're heading to Lishan Sect, make your preparations and leave with the Third Elder tomorrow," Master Dongfang instructed.

Having received her orders, Zhang Yiyi didn't say much more and soon took her leave.

Upon returning to the Inner First Peaks, she didn't need to prepare anything special, as all her essential items were already stored in her spatial ring. However, she did visit her master to inform him of her upcoming journey to Lishan Sect.

Jiang Heng wasn't too concerned about his little disciple's trip this time, especially since the Third Elder and others would accompany her. Plus, Lishan wasn't a dangerous place.

Still, before she left, he handed her a storage bag he had prepared in advance, filled with various items she might need, along with plenty of spirit stones.

"After all, this is considered a long trip. It's always better to be prepared and carry more wealth with you when traveling, just in case."

Jiang Heng knew very well that during their last visit to Jiagu Guan City, although his young disciple had gained a lot, she had also nearly depleted her belongings. His little disciple was already that poor, yet she still thought about bringing gifts for her master. As her master, he certainly couldn't let her be at a loss.

Seeing the storage bag filled with all sorts of good things and large amounts of spirit stones, Zhang Yiyi was so moved that her eyes welled up with tears.

Her master was so kind! The feeling of suddenly becoming wealthy again was wonderful!

The next morning, Zhang Yiyi set off with the Third Elder and others for Lishan. Aside from the Third Elder and Zhang Yiyi, three others accompanied them—disciples tasked with assisting the Third Elder in investigating the attack on the Lishan Sect.

The group flew on their swords to the first teleportation array, and along the way, thanks to the Third Elder's reminder, Zhang Yiyi learned the exact location where her senior sister had been ambushed.

After investigating the area briefly, they naturally found no useful clues and set off again. By evening, they arrived at the first teleportation array.

The Yunxian Sect was far from Lishan, and even with the teleportation arrays, they had to transfer multiple times. Without the Third Elder leading the way, a novice like her would likely have struggled to find the right path.

After using three or four teleportation arrays and flying for a long time in between, it took them three days to reach a small town near the base of Lishan.

Zhang Yiyi wiped imaginary sweat from her forehead, thinking that without the teleportation arrays, the journey would have taken much longer. She also wondered if the long journey would affect her senior sister's injuries, considering how badly she had been hurt.

"We'll find a place to stay in the town for now. I'll go and gather some information, and tomorrow we'll officially head up Lishan," the Third Elder said, glancing in the direction of Lishan Sect without any rush. Although Elder Yuan and his group had surely returned to Lishan by now, the Third Elder preferred to be fully prepared before proceeding. He had friends at Lishan and planned to use those connections to gather some initial information.

No one objected, and Zhang Yiyi, having no reason to oppose the plan, followed along as they found an inn to stay the night. Despite being a small town, it was quite prosperous due to its proximity to Lishan Sect. Most of the shops catered to cultivators, and the local mortals largely depended on the sect for their livelihood.

After settling in, the Third Elder quickly sent a communication talisman to his friend at Lishan Sect and, after giving a few instructions, left.

Being the youngest and the only female cultivator in the group, Zhang Yiyi received the most attention and reminders. She didn't even think about going out on her own and obediently returned to her room to rest.

Not long after, there was a knock on the door.

"You?" Zhang Yiyi was quite surprised when she opened the door to find Chen Fan standing outside.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, long time no see. How have you been?" Chen Fan greeted her with a friendly smile.

It had been more than half a year since they last met by the Luoxian River, but for cultivators, such a gap was hardly significant and was just a polite way of speaking. He had noticed Zhang Yiyi when she first entered the town and, after some hesitation, decided to greet her.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, well met. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Zhang Yiyi was relieved when she recognized Chen Fan. No wonder he had reached her door without her detecting his presence—he was, after all, the original male protagonist with his unique abilities.

"If Fellow Daoist Zhang doesn't mind, may I come in to speak with you for a moment?"

Chen Fan didn't immediately state his purpose, instead politely requesting to enter.

"Of course, come in." Zhang Yiyi wasn't worried about Chen Fan having any ill intentions, so she naturally invited him in.

After entering, Chen Fan casually found a seat and, without being overly formal, sat down. He took out two cups of spiritual tea and some spirit fruits from his storage bag, placing them on the table and inviting Zhang Yiyi to enjoy them.

"Please, Fellow Daoist Zhang, try them. They might suit your taste."

Chen Fan took a sip of the spiritual tea and a bite of a spirit fruit, clearly showing that he had no harmful intent.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Chen. I won't be shy, then." Zhang Yiyi gave Chen Fan a half-smile and, seeing no reason to refuse, comfortably enjoyed the tea and fruit with him.

Generally, when someone offered unexpected kindness, there was usually an ulterior motive. However, Zhang Yiyi knew that Chen Fan wasn't doing this for her sake—her instincts told her it probably had something to do with her cousin.

Her guess was quickly confirmed.

"So, what is it that Fellow Daoist Chen wishes to discuss?" Zhang Yiyi asked after they had finished their tea and fruit, which were indeed of exceptional quality.

Chen Fan hesitated for a moment, then smiled again. "To be honest, I have a small favor to ask of you."

"What is it? Feel free to tell me," Zhang Yiyi replied cautiously. After all, their relationship wasn't deep enough for her to readily agree to anything.

"It's like this—I have something I would like you to pass on to your cousin, Fairy Tong." As he spoke, Chen Fan took out a jade box and asked Zhang Yiyi to deliver it to her cousin, Zhang Tongtong.

The jade box was already sealed with a restriction that only Zhang Tongtong could open, so he wasn't worried about its contents being seen by others. Zhang Yiyi, being both a fellow sect member and her cousin, was the perfect person to handle the delivery.